B.C. health officials are reporting 85 new cases of COVID-19 today, the third highest daily increase during the entire pandemic, for a provincial total of 4,196 cases.
The province is also reporting the first COVID-19 related death in nearly two weeks, bringing B.C.’s total death toll to 196 people.
Just one of the new cases was in the Interior Health Authority for a total of 394. Two of today’s cases were epi-linked, while the rest were test positive.
“The majority of these [new] cases are young people in the Lower Mainland and their exposures have been at events in the community,” said a statement from the Ministry of Health, which calls the pandemic an unprecedented challenge for the province.
“The cases we are seeing today reflect exposures from a week to 10 days ago. A significant number of cases are also linked to travel from out of province.”
Eight people are in hospital across B.C., five of whom are in intensive care. Active cases have gone up to 531, while the number of people who have recovered are now 3,469.
“We need to refocus on measures to flatten the curve of infection and protect British Columbians as we help our province recover,” added the statement.
“One of the most effective ways to keep people safe is through contact tracing, which starts with each person who has tested positive for COVID-19 understanding who their contacts may be to provide appropriate follow up and stop further transmission.”
Earlier in the day, the government announced it would be hiring up to 500 new health contact tracers who will be spread across British Columbia.
“We are watching the cases climb, which is concerning. We need everyone to recommit to using the skills we’ve learned. Keep gatherings small, have a designated ‘contact keeper,’ limit time with others, maintain physical distance and always stay home if you’re feeling unwell,” added the statement.
“We must all keep working together to protect people’s health, homes and livelihoods, and to get our province back on track. We are all in this together, so let’s continue holding the line.”
